Pubs, shops and restaurants were forced to shut their doors on what should have been one of the year's busiest weekends - on August 19 and 20.

Cops initially described the chaos as "low-level disturbance", angering residents.

Police and the council had also initially refused to say who was responsible for the 37 crimes recorded, but a statement from authorities in the wake of the drama had revealed they had evicted 23 traveller caravans that had pitched up at the same time illegally.

Apologising to locals Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: "There were a number of incidences of theft, of anti-social behaviour, of criminal damage and we misjudged our message, and I'm sorry that we got that message wrong.

"We got it wrong, we'll learn the lessons. It won't happen again."

According to BBC reports, he added: "I'm genuinely sorry that we created the impression that this was a low-level disorder.

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"We had a rape which, whilst at the time we didn't connect to the group, we are now absolutely connecting."

A review of the police response to the disorder is ongoing.

Over the weekend pubs and restaurants reported having to barricade their doors following thefts and disorder.

Nashim Uddin, owner of Masala Twist Indian restaurant said 40 people "ambushed" his staff and stole alcohol.